Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This glass paperweight, with its delicate floral inclusions, was likely crafted in France by the Compagnie de Saint Louis. Such objects emerged amidst the burgeoning industrial era when novel techniques were developed for mass-producing glass. Yet, this piece transcends mere utility. The encased flower arrangement, with its symbolic connotations of beauty and nature, speaks to a desire to preserve the fleeting and intangible. These paperweights were coveted collectibles. Their production involved complex labor processes, requiring specialized skills and knowledge concentrated in specific workshops. The Compagnie de Saint Louis was one such enterprise. Studying its history can reveal how industrial production could incorporate and transform artistic traditions. By examining production records, design patterns, and the social circulation of these objects, we can better understand how they reflect both the aspirations and contradictions of their time.